Word has been received of the death May 18 of former Michigan State Trooper Norman John Lohroff, has died at age 87.
Lohroff retired after serving more than 27 years at the Wayland post of the Michigan State Police in 1993.
He was born June 4, 1937, in Hart, Mich. Survivors include his wife. Barbara Ann (Googie) for 68 years; and his children Darlene, Vic (Dar), Quin (Amy), Trina (Terry), Kim (Rich), and Aaron (Stacy). He had 11 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.
Norm was preceded in death by his parents, Edward and Cecilia Lohroff.
Lorhoff was perhaps best remembered in a tribute writtem by a longtime friend:.
“If we could review the pages of time, they would, indeed, bring a smile to our faces as we observe the rising star of my old friend, Norm Lohroff. 1956 would show high school in the rearview mirror. It would show the experiment of job markets available for that period. By this time, Norm had discovered the love of his life, and his dreams had started to take shape.
“As he searched the future for a career, he explored the possibility of a military future, and military classification testing found him to achieve well in every academic area offered. He was sent to one school after another and excelled with advanced levels of performance in each. With that background, he was urged to enter the field of aviation as a flier in the intelligence and reconnaissance specialty. The intelligence and reconnaissance specialty schools in Oklahoma and Georgia honed his skills into those of an extremely valuable asset to flying reconnaissance.
“By the year 1957, Norm’s star was still on the rise. He was assigned to a top secret squadron so sensitive that most Americans living today still have never seen any of the planes of this period. Norm seemed a natural for this type of work and became a leader, mentor, and boss for many others in these covert services over the years.
“As Norm’s star soared across the heavens, he flew into every dangerous area of conflict in the entire Pacific during the cold war conflict. Problems in the area included politics and the projectiles arising from the ensuing reconnaissance required. My friend Norm provided data and information necessary for solutions to problems like those, problems which most of his countrymen would have only as stories in the movies. Reconnaissance planes such as Norm’s were shot down, and intelligence ships were captured, the crews interred and killed. Still, Norm continued to fly. After several thousand hours and millions of miles in that profession, Norm retired.
“Norm then embraced a life of public service as a Michigan State Police Trooper. His accomplishments in that career spanned 27 years. And, so, today, we see the Navy flyer’s wings of gold retired. We also see the public servant retire his badges. These will become the memorabilia by which we will remember Norm.
“As I look at this celebration of Norm’s life and achievements, I note with pride the number and stature of those who join me in this ceremony. I proclaim Norm to you as an American patriot and military hero. I confess that I will miss my friend, and I will not forget him.
“I thank you for allowing me to pay homage to Norm with this final tribute which he so richly deserves. A part of my farewell prayer will be: God bless America; God bless my friend.” — Doc Bookout
The family asks for donations and respect be given to the Leighton Township First Responders, the Wayland Ambulance, and Paws with a Cause. The family will honor Norm in a private graveside ceremony at a later date.
